Jaqquline Lawrie, 17 October, 2023
From pursuing a business degree at QUT to conquering the bustling city of New York and securing a prominent position at one of the world's largest corporations, QUT business graduate Kaylah McDougall proves that with a transferable skillset, unwavering dedication, and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible.
Laying the groundwork for professional success
With a strong interest in marketing and communications, Kaylah decided to pursue a Bachelor of Business at QUT, majoring in marketing and minoring in public relations.
Reflecting on her motivation to pursue this degree, she shared, "I've always been fascinated by marketing and public relations because I like communication, and I really enjoyed studying English in high school."
QUT was also Kaylah’s first preference, with her noting it was partly influenced by her eldest sister's positive experience and the university's central location.
“My eldest sister actually went to QUT, and she absolutely loved it.
“I would always hear about her studies, and I thought it was really cool that both campuses were located in the city.”
The allure of studying amidst the vibrant city surrounded by working professionals greatly appealed to Kaylah. She elaborated, "A lot of other Brisbane universities are quite removed and isolated, but studying at QUT really felt like you were a part of the central business district.
“I was able to take subjects at both Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove and experience what it was like to be amongst the corporate world."
Building a skillset for an evolving career
Complementing the knowledge component of Kaylah's business degree was the in-demand, future-focussed transferable skillset she acquired.
Transferable skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s fast-paced and technologically advanced world.
With new jobs emerging more rapidly than ever before¹, employers are seeking graduates who offer a range of transferable skills to accompany the technical skills they have obtained throughout their studies.
Right from the start, QUT Business students are immersed in authentic, hands-on learning opportunities, enabling them to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Some hands-on learning opportunities available include client projects, internships, placements, workplace projects, international experiences, and case competitions.
Related story: Undergraduate Business Students Gain Practical Experience with Opera Queensland
Through our real-world learning approach, our students are encouraged to actively engage their cognitive, emotional, and physical abilities, which leads to the development of a wide range of enduring skills.
Larry Neale, Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching of the QUT Business School, believes enduring, transferable skills are the key to a successful future career.
“Long gone are the days when workers would remain in one career their entire life,” he said.
“Our graduates these days are estimated to have four to five career changes in their lifetime, and a business degree, or business as part of a double degree, prepares graduates for future career progression.”
In light of today’s evolving environment, Professor Neale highlighted the responsibility of educators to prepare students with the essential skillset they need to succeed in the future job market.
“We empower our students to think creatively and critically, communicate professionally, exercise ethical judgment in business, and approach challenges with confidence,” he said.
Kaylah also emphasised the benefit of acquiring a transferable skillset. Sharing her experience, she said, “QUT offers many hands-on learning opportunities.”
“In one of my classes, I got to act as a marketing consultant for a real-world client and help them develop an effective marketing strategy to enable their business to reach a larger audience.
“I am a practical learner, so QUT’s hands-on approach to teaching truly resonated with me.
"The practical skills I gained at university have helped me succeed in different roles.
Stepping into the real world
After university, Kaylah decided to work abroad for six months before accepting a graduate opportunity at one of Australia's top wealth management brands.
Recalling her experience, she shared, "After returning from the US, I accepted a graduate opportunity back in Brisbane at a prominent wealth management group.
“From there, I got a contract role working in their financial services division before transferring to their Sydney office, where I ended up working for six years.”
Following several years immersed in the financial industry, Kaylah then made the daring decision to pivot careers and industries and relocate to New York City.
"I applied for a job at Uber and was successful, which was great,” she said.
"I believe the combination of my business degree at QUT, which equipped me with highly transferable skills, as well as my experience working for a large bank, helped me land the job.
"The global recognition of my previous work experience also proved to be beneficial."
When reflecting on her career journey and younger self at 17, Kaylah shared she could never have envisioned herself working in New York City, let alone at one of the world's most prominent tech startups.
"Back when I was 17 and just starting university, I had envisioned myself in some sort of marketing role based in Sydney or Melbourne," she recalled.
“I could never have imagined myself working in New York City or being in the tech space.”
Kaylah attributes her adaptability and success across a range of diverse industries and roles to the transferable skillset she acquired through her business degree at QUT.
“QUT’s Bachelor of Business is a great option for people who want flexibility in their long-term career goals,” she said.
“The marketing major within my business degree gave me the transferable skillset needed to succeed and adapt across a range of different industries and roles.
“I am now working in the tech space, which is totally different to what I thought I'd be doing with my marketing specialisation, but the transferable skills I gained during my studies benefited me immensely and allowed me to pivot industries seamlessly.”
Discover QUT’s Bachelor of Business and prepare yourself to thrive in the changing world of business.
[1] Emerging Jobs: Australia. Retrieved on 5 December 2022. From: https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/talent-solutions-lodestone/body/pdf/Emerging_Jobs_Report_Australia_Aug2018.pdf
